RV Storage Cost

How Much Does RV Storage Cost?

Recreational vehicles can be large and bulky, but not everyone has space to park them at home. And some local zoning laws or neighborhood regulations may limit where RVs can be parked or ban them outright. A common solution is to rent space from a specialized RV storage company.

Typical costs:

Outdoor parking at a storage facility, an RV dealership or an RV park/campground with storage space starts at $20-$50 a month but can go as high as $60-$100 or more. Prices vary depending on location; whether the lot is paved or gravel; security (fencing height/type, lights, video cameras); hours (ease of access); and features such as an RV wash area or a sewage dump station. Some facilities discount the monthly fee for a long-term commitment. For example, Freeport Self Storage[1] in southern Maine charges $25-$45 a month for outdoor RV storage, or $22-$39 a month with a minimum seven-month commitment. In Arizona, Southwest RV[2] charges $50-$94 a month depending on the length of the RV (20 to 45 feet), or the equivalent of $45-$85 a month if paid on an annual basis. Larger motorhomes cost more to store. El Toro RV Storage in California stores 40'-80' motorhomes outdoors for $125-$290 a month; the more expensive rental rates include services such as washing the RV, dumping the sewage system each time the RV is returned to storage, or periodically running the generator or charging the battery.

Indoor covered storage starts around $45-$125 for unheated storage and can run $100-$450 or more a month for climate-controlled indoor storage environments with services such as valet parking; washing the RV; dumping the sewage system after a trip; or periodically running the generator, charging the batteries or checking the engine fluids. High-end indoor storage units may have individual security systems, oversized garage doors to accommodate larger RVs and 24-hour owner access. For example, Harrison Storage in Ohio offers 10'x30' to 15'x60' inside storage units for $128-$453 a month, including some climate-controlled units, with 24-hour access, on-site managers and individually alarmed units.

Self-storage condominiums, where consumers can purchase a large, garage unit, sell for $50,000-$150,000, depending on location, size and amenities offered, plus annual condo maintenance fees averaging $50-$100 a year. Storage condos typically are designed with plenty of room to maneuver large vehicles, and high-end units have self-contained heating and air conditioning systems. Storage condos are usually relatively large -- starting around 16'-20' wide, and 40'-60' long, but they can be bigger -- with oversized entry doors. Search for storage condos by state at storagecondostore.com.

Many storage facilities have specific hours when owners can access their RVs; others are available 24/7. Storage facilities designed specifically for RVs may have a wash area and/or dump station on site; standard self-storage facilities may offer RV parking without these options.

An RV storage facility may have a manager available only during certain hours; others have on-site managers to address problems as they occur. Some outdoor sites are fenced parking lots, while others have security lights and video cameras, and even alarm systems. Gravel lots can be more prone to rodents, insects and other pests getting inside the RV. Indoor storage is more expensive. Exact facilities and terms should be spelled out in a written contract, which can be monthly, seasonally or annually.

Additional costs:

There can be fees of $5-$50 or more for access cards or keys at storage facilities, and some of these fees may be refundable.

Check whether the existing insurance policy on the RV has any limits on coverage while the RV is in storage. The coverage may need to be expanded; many storage facilities sell additional insurance coverage. Costs vary widely depending on type of RV, location and insurance company.

If the RV is stored outdoors, RV cover to protect it from dirt, debris and weather can cost $50-$1,200 or more depending on size, durability and whether it's a generic, semi-custom or custom fit.

Shopping for rv storage:

Search for RV storage facilities at RVResources.com[3] or the Self Storage Association[4] .

Most RV owners prefer a storage facility within 15 to 20 miles of their home. Make sure the space is wide enough and long enough to accommodate the RV, and that it's easy to park and retrieve the vehicle. Ask about access hours; security features such as overhead lights or video cameras; and options such as electricity, water or trash service.

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